By John Dike, Osogbo
Women advocacy organisations in Osun State have called for stronger policies, improved institutional support, and increased investment in the protection of women and girls, warning that rising cases of gender-based violence threaten societal stability and development.
The call was made during a press conference held in Osogbo to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day, organised by the Eco Center for Transformation and Empowerment Initiative in collaboration with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria), Osun State Branch.
Addressing journalists, the Executive Director of the Eco Center for Transformation and Empowerment Initiative, Citizen Lola Wey, said the annual celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in advancing women’s rights while drawing attention to the persistent challenges confronting women and girls across Nigeria.
She noted that the 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the need for governments, institutions and individuals to deliberately invest in the safety, empowerment and leadership of women.
According to her, the security, prosperity and stability of Osun State, Nigeria and the global community depend on the full, equal and safe participation of women and girls in all aspects of society.
She, however, lamented that despite increasing global advocacy, women’s rights continue to face threats, while defenders of women’s rights are increasingly subjected to intimidation and harassment.
Wey stated that violence against women and girls has remained a global emergency, revealing that one in every three women worldwide experiences violence during their lifetime.
She explained that such violence undermines democratic institutions, fuels instability and weakens the overall security architecture of any society.
“Violence against women and girls is preventable if governments and citizens take urgent and consistent actions to address the root causes,” she said.
The organisation commended the Federal Government for establishing the Alternative School for Women in Osogbo, designed to provide a second chance for women and girls who dropped out of formal education.
However, the group expressed concern that the facility is yet to become fully operational.
Wey therefore appealed to the relevant authorities to ensure that the school becomes functional, stressing that investment in women’s education produces long-term benefits for society.
She said empowering women educationally is not charity but a strategic investment that would promote peace, prosperity and sustainable development.
Call for Inclusion of SGBV in School Curriculum
The organisations also urged the Federal Government to integrate Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) education into Nigeria’s school curriculum.
They explained that introducing the subject into academic programmes would raise awareness, promote empathy, and equip young people with the knowledge required to prevent and respond to abuse and discrimination.
According to the groups, SGBV remains a widespread problem cutting across age, religion, ethnicity and social status.
They added that educating young people about the issue would help reduce violence and create safer communities.
The groups praised the Osun State Government and several civil society organisations for supporting the operationalisation of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) located at the State Specialist Hospital in Asubiaro, Osogbo.
The centre, popularly known as the Succour Centre, provides free medical examination, treatment and psychosocial support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Wey explained that before the centre became operational, survivors faced enormous challenges in accessing timely medical care and forensic services.
She noted that many victims had previously struggled to obtain medical evidence due to high costs at private hospitals and the absence of specialised support facilities.
Demand for Additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres
Despite the progress, the advocacy groups called on the Osun State Government to establish two additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres, one in each of the remaining senatorial districts of the state.
They explained that the existing centre in Osogbo is often inaccessible to survivors living in distant communities due to transportation costs, distance and low public awareness.
According to the organisations, the establishment of additional centres would ensure that survivors receive prompt medical attention, forensic examinations and counselling services without delay.
They said Sexual Assault Referral Centres function as a one-stop facility that provides medical, legal and psychosocial services for survivors, thereby reducing the trauma associated with reporting cases of abuse.
The groups recommended that the proposed centres should guarantee privacy, have dedicated entrances away from general hospital areas and operate with sustainable funding.
They further advised that each centre should be staffed by trained professionals including a doctor, nurse or midwife and a trauma counsellor available round the clock.
The organisations also urged law enforcement agencies in Osun State to fully enforce the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, which criminalises various forms of domestic violence and abuse.
They expressed concern that many police officers still treat cases of domestic violence as “family matters” instead of criminal offences.
The groups cited an incident in December 2025 where a woman and her children were allegedly locked inside their home for several hours after instructions from her husband abroad, with police initially declining to intervene.
According to the organisations, such responses undermine justice and discourage victims from reporting abuse.
They therefore called on the Nigeria Police Force to intensify training for officers on the provisions of the VAPP Law.
Advocacy for Institutional Reforms
The organisations also appealed to the Osun State Government to establish a Sexual and Domestic Violence Agency to coordinate responses to gender-based violence across ministries and institutions.
They further urged the government to upgrade the Office of Public Defender and the Citizens Rights Mediation Centre into fully-fledged agencies with adequate infrastructure and personnel.
They also called for the creation of specialised courts across the state’s three senatorial districts to ensure speedy dispensation of justice in cases involving violence against women and girls.
Gender-Responsive Budgeting
The groups emphasised the importance of adopting gender-responsive budgeting across ministries, departments and agencies.
They argued that without gender-sensitive financial planning, the needs of women, girls and other vulnerable groups may remain neglected in public policy implementation.
According to them, proper funding of gender programmes would significantly reduce violence and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of families.
Appreciation to Osun Government
The organisations also commended the Osun State Government for signing the Disability Rights and Anti-Discrimination Law and establishing the Bureau for Persons with Disabilities, headed by Rotarian Ayobami Ayotunde.
They said the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to building an inclusive society where no one is left behind.
Wey concluded that International Women’s Day should not merely be a symbolic celebration but a call to action for governments, institutions and citizens to strengthen efforts towards gender equality.
She stressed that women must be empowered to participate fully in governance, law, commerce, technology, engineering and other critical sectors.
According to her, building a society where women and girls can live free from violence, fear and discrimination is essential for sustainable peace and development.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the organisations to continue advocating for the rights and protection of women and girls in Osun State and Nigeria at large.
